Dental Assisting in Canada
It is estimated that there are approximately 26,000 to 29,000 dental assistants in Canada and nearly 20,000 are registered with a provincial dental assisting association. Of those 20,000 dental assistants approximately 74% are certified/licensed, 99% are female and the average age is 38 years old.
Dental assistants are multi-skilled professionals that possess a diverse knowledge base. They effectively perform clinical skills, administrative procedures, and practitioner autonomy through assignment and delegation of duties and responsibilities within provincial legislation.
The registration/licensure of dental assistants in Canada rests with the provincial Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities (DARA) often referred to as a “regulatory college”, “board”, “council” or “association”. It is recommended that you contact the governing body for specific requirements, view our “ Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities” page to get contact information.
Educational requirements to a dental assisting program vary however many include successful completion of secondary school diploma with biology and chemistry. Some programs require a valid CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Level C certificate.
Dental assistant programs provide training in such areas as microbiology and infection control, dental radiography, clinical assisting procedures and preventive dentistry.
Possible Practice environments include:
- Private Practice – General Dentistry
- Private Practice – Orthodontic
- Private Practice – Prosthothodontic
- Private Practice – Perioodontic
- Educational Facility – Teaching
- Educational Facility – Clinical Assessment
- Hospital
- Community / Public Health
- Insurance Companies
- Dental Supply Companies
- Other
The evolution of dental assisting is a reflection of the changing nature of dentistry, regulatory structures, new technologies and Canadian society. The practice of dental assisting involves collaboration with patients, other healthcare professionals and society to achieve and maintain optimal oral health and integral part of well-being.